JC has been part of a two-year study developed to learn more about these elusive cats.

But it isn't easy.

SOUNDBITE JC Griffin, Biologist

"It's frustrating to catch raccoons."

Frustrating because for every hundred animals he traps, there is only one bobcat. But he has trapped and collared enough to know that the cats are out there -- and they're thriving.

A close relative of the lynx, the North American bobcat is nocturnal --solitary.

The bobcats range throughout North America.

But largely because of habitat destruction, they have virtually disappeared in some places.

Bobcats are opportunists and will try to kill almost any prey available.

SOUNDBITE JC Griffin, Biologist

"The deer population is very stable and the major reason is the bobcats because they really do prey on the deer hard here."

Island officials fear that without the bobcats, Kiawah Island’s deer population would increase…and so would car accidents.

SOUNDBITE JC Griffin, Biologist

"We want bobcats here. We want as many bobcats here as possible. Since there is no hunting on Kiawah Island, the only way to control the deer population is really through bobcat predation."

The town wildlife biologist is Jim Jordan.

SOUNDBITE Jim Jordan, biologist

"There are more bobcats living in proximity to development that we think because they're so hard to see typically. They are very shy and they could be living not far from the houses and people may never know."

SOUNDBITE JC Griffin, Biologist

"Let's see if we can find it."

With the help of a radio collar and triangulation, JC can determine within a few yards, the exact location of a bobcat.

SOUNDBITE JC Griffin, Biologist

"I didn't see him, but I know he ran right across here a second ago. Just follow me we'll just move real slow."

But even with that kind of help it took more than an hour, tracking through people's yards, to catch a glimpse.

Finally after hours of tracking, JC flushes him out of the brush.

The cat makes a brief appearance -- lurking near someone's house.

SOUNDBITE JC Griffin, Biologist

"It helps to have those kinds of predators here. I think bobcats are one of Kiawah's most valuable assets."

An asset that biologists hope will provide a natural control for deer in other parts of the country.